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Populated
by volunteer members of the Nobility and Upper-class
Gentry (mostly from the boroughs of London), the
Fraternity consisted entirely of the trained Captains.
(The military leaders of the time.) These Captains,
expert in the art of hand Artillery, were charged
with overseeing the armies transition from it's
dependency on the Longbow, while still maintaining
the Longbow expertise so historically important
to England's survival. (The use of the term artillery
meaning any missile or weapon of volley, such
as the longbowe, crossbow or musket, but not as
yet including cannon.)
As a result, the Guild members were perhaps (with
the possible exception of the King's personal
bodyguards), "the most efficient troops in
the kingdom", and would "provide a training
school for their successors". Because
of the historical importance of the group, as
well as its strategic location within the walls
of London itself, the Fraternity of St.George
and the Guild of Artillery were among the few
military units allowed to parade in full regalia,
including the use of drums and the display of
colours, within the city confines. So revered
was this group, that it's use of the Longbow for
hunting fowl and game within and about the incorporated
and metropolitan areas of London, was unrestricted.
A privilege not even the Royal Foresters enjoyed.
The
Look and Feel of The Guild of the Fraternity of
St. George
Acting
within a continuous vignette, the characters which
make up the Guild of the Fraternity of St. George,
will portray the gentleman soldiers of the Tudor
and the Elizabethan age. These were the strategists
and the trainers, members within the Privy councils
of the courts of both Henry and Elizabeth. It
is from this fraternity, that the Captains of
the trained bands of London would come.
Actively
studying as well as demonstrating the use of both
new and old weapons, contemplating the benefits
of siege warfare and the fortifications of England's
strongholds, the guild will be in constant motion.
Captains arriving and leaving calling for messengers,
sending dispatches to the bands. Lieutenants and
Sergeants pushing themselves to better times and
better techniques in the use of the Musket and
Caliver and re-learning the classic arts of the
Pike and the Longbowe. All within the confines
of this portable military encampment.
And
as is the case in such close quarters, disagreements
as to the best course of action often lead to
the inevitable. Among the more gentlemanly sort,
a display of wits followed by a flurry of blades
will most likely result, while those with even
quicker tempers and fewer wits will settle for
whatever comes to hand. Ultimately, all offenders
will be sent to their rooms. Demonstrated skill
with the longbowe, sword and dagger, buckler,
cloak, staff and pike, as well as unarmed combat
will be a daily (or several times daily) event.
There will not be a schedule for these types of
events, as they will be as continuous and as unpredictable
as life itself was.
In
addition to the military aspects of the guild,
the daily life of a medieval encampment will be
displayed and performed by our capable and equally
talented support staff. Period preparation and
display of meals, along with the everyday in-camp
maintenance of equipment, clothing and the soldiers
themselves will be demonstrated. If you think
planning a month long siege in tight quarters
can lead to short tempers, wait until you see
the headmistress demonstrate the meaning of "found
weapons", after being interrupted in the
preparation of the evening meal.
While
attending with a full contingent, parading with
drums and colours will also be an everyday occurrence.
Goals
of the Guild
To educate through "active" reenactment
of an historical group, in an entertaining manner.
Because
the Fraternity of Saint George was the origin
of the current British military regiment known
as the "Honourable Artillery Companie"
(also known as The Companie), our scope and purpose
must be closely linked. Our look and feel will
be sanctioned and approved by "The Companie".
Nothing depicted within the vignette will deviate
or detract from that noble history. From clothing
and weapons, to flags and banners, to the achievements
on the coat of arms displayed. All will be as
it would have, during the Tudor and Elizabethan
periods.
The
Guild of the Fraternity of St. George will remain
committed to the teaching of historical doctrine
through a myriad of venues including but not restricted
to Medieval and Renaissance Period Faire's, Historical
Reenactments, Primary and Secondary Education
facilities, In-The-Park Dramas, local, regional
and national Activities for the Arts, and simply
put… spontaneous demonstrations of equipment,
costume and character when and wherever the need
arises.
This
guild will openly participate in combined activities
between similar guilds, where the educational
and historical value of such an endeavor may be
enhanced. Cross guild participation is encouraged,
but will not be placed above the guilds needs
to remain in-character and historical.
Legally
Speaking
The use of the name The Guild of the Fraternity
of St. George, shall be the property of this group
and it's owners, as far as the franchise is extended
by the parent, The Honourable Artillery Companie
of London. No exclusivity rights shall be imposed
or placed upon the Guild of the Fraternity of
St. George by any source outside the immediate
guild ownership, except for those limitations
as may be required or enforced by the current
descendants of the original guild or fraternity.
That being the Honourable Artillery Companie of
London.
The
Honourable Artillery Company, nor any persons,
corporations, or partners associated directly
or indirectly with the Company, will not be held
liable for any misuse of the names, images, or
references, or injuries as a result of any misuse
from persons within the re-enactment group known
as The Guild of the Fraternity of St. George.
1All
quoted references to "The Guild of the Fraternity
of St. George", "Honourable Artillery
Companie", "HAC", "The Companie"
on this site, unless otherwise stated, are referenced
from:
Walker, G. Gould, D.S.O., M.C., The Honorable
Artillery Company 1537-1926, (John Lane The
Bodley Head Limited, London, 1926)
Website
This website is intended to depict The Guild of
the Fraternity of St. George in a historically
accurate manner from the mid 16th century to 1588.
All images used on this site have been carefully
selected as images and events, historically correct
for 1588: England, the English military, Protestant
uprisings from the Spanish Netherlands, or weapons
of the late 16th century. If you have suggestions
or additional content/images to contribute, feel
free to contact us.
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